Freeview HD problem in Waikato following frequency change

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646 posts

Ultimate Geek

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#102438 15-May-2012 22:03

Ok - I'll paint the picture/scenario

Three TV's in the house - all Samsung LCD/LED's with builtin Freeview HD

All were running fine

Then the Waikato frequencies changed.....

My Samsung LED retuned and works fine - no problems

One of my Samsung LCD's will only tune 8 channels and none of the radio. When I try and watch the channels the picture is pixelated and distorted (if I get one at all) and the sound cuts in and out.

The other Samsung LCD has a similar problem but picks up different channels (but skips others)

I've changed the coaxial cable with varying results

Also moved the TV's around (except for the LED that's mounted) and again get varying results - when a Samsung LCD is plugged into where the LED goes, it tunes in all the channels but the sound and picture is distorted but not as bad - it's almost watchable.

I suspect its my UHF aerial but then why did it work perfectly before and not now and why does my LED TV work fine?

bmoff

158 posts

Master Geek

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#625919 16-May-2012 09:48

Interesting, I'm also in the Waikato (Hamilton) and have had the opposite experience. I was getting some pixellating on the Kordia mux particularly but since the frequency changes my signal strength and quality has improved markedly along with picture.

wellygary

8312 posts

Uber Geek

#625939 16-May-2012 10:26

How are you splitting the signal? , are all the output cables from the splitter the same quality/length?

If you can get adequate signal on one a mast head amp might help with the signal strengths on the two legs of the split that are giving you trouble,

scuwp

3885 posts

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#625940 16-May-2012 10:26

I don' know the tech details but recall reading on GZ discussion on the band changes and how the new frequencies may have different signal quality characteristics, some good, some not so much.

We have always run a simple plug in signal booster through our system, things go to crap if I unplug that apart from 1 x TV, similar to your description. Seems the signal on it's own will get to one TV ok but the wiring distance perhaps means it doesn't get to other outlets as strong. Maybe an idea for the sake of $20 - $30 ?

Lazy is such an ugly word, I prefer to call it selective participation

DjShadow

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#625941 16-May-2012 10:27

I've found since the change the TVNZ mux has a weaker signal

wellygary

8312 posts

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#625944 16-May-2012 10:33

DjShadow: I've found since the change the TVNZ mux has a weaker signal

I think what you mean is that the vagaries of atmospheric signal propagation combining with local conditions has delivered a lower signal strength at your aerial :)

I am fairly sure that the output power of the transmitters have not been altered, just that the new frequencies have different radiation foot prints at the margins

- but in effect it means you receive a weaker signal.......